ENNIS, Mont. -- John Mitchell and his familiar Montana Express team whom has been a top ten finisher in the NHRA
points standings for the past few years will run the entire IHRA circuit and a limited number of
NHRA events in 2004.

Mitchell has also named Steve Hamilton the newest up and coming driver to pilot his Top Fuel
Dragster.

Steve Hamilton, “I’m pleased to be driving for John Mitchell in 2004. Mitchell who is known for
his Montana Express cars is also known with driver “Aussie” Dave Grubnick. But what few racing
fans know is, Mitchell also started the careers of Top Fuel World Champion Larry Dixon and his
current teammate Ron Capps, Funny Car World Champion Tony Pedregon, and Frank Pedregon. John is
allowing me to handle not only the driving but also the team’s marketing as well, that way there
will be no limits as to how far this team goes in marketing our sponsor’s products and services.
Joining John’s team will allow me the opportunity to receive much more seat time and experience,
as we plan to do a lot of testing over the next couple of months. This will also help me to
better develop as a driver.

John is positioning the team to contend for the IHRA championship in 2004. All of the equipment
and pieces are in place and we intend to do what it takes to win. We will run the entire IHRA
circuit and limited NHRA events for 2004 including the second Chicago race ( Steve’s hometown).

I believe between John’s dedication as a team owner, his talented crew and my ambition to
achieve some lofty goals on a race team that shares my vision, we will have a very successful
program in 2004.

We have secured many associate partners, and are finalizing our major as this is being released.
I want to thank Goodyear, Fram, Autolite, Amalie Oil, ARP, MSD, Promotion Motorsports, Fresh Air
Systems, and all of my other sponsors that have supported my efforts to move into the Top Fuel
ranks. We are also aggressively putting together some very interesting programs that will open
some eyes in 2004.”

John Mitchell, “I have worked with Steve for the past few months and see that he has the drive
and the determination to make this program work. I believe he will become one of our sports best
assets and will help take our team to a championship and the sport to the next level. He wants
to win and be part of a team that can win championships.

I have developed new drivers before and their careers speak for themselves. Steve will do the
same. We are ready for the 2004 and look forward to having a successful year.

IHRA has grown and their program seems to be exciting. We are excited to be a part of a growing
program and hope to lead the way. I am pulling out all of the stops and want to win the IHRA Top
Fuel championship title in 2004.”